On New Year’s Eve, the Boise State Broncos fell to the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Fiesta Bowl. The Broncos had a first-round bye in the college football playoffs but came into the game as underdogs. The final score was 31-14, although it felt much closer for the majority of the game. Many fans are talking about how the refs stole the Fiesta Bowl from the Broncos or how Boise State didn’t show up with their usual intensity or passion. Sure, the refs missed some calls. But that doesn’t change a game with such a wide score differential. On the other matter, Penn State has been one of the top programs in the country for more than five years. Boise State was outmatched from the beginning. Yet, they still hung in there. That’s impressive.
Why the Boise State Broncos Had a Successful Season
In the world of sports, wins are important but, ultimately championships are what counts. But let’s be clear, this season was about something much more important than a championship, a bowl game, or even a rushing record. This Broncos football team stood out from their fellow competitors in a couple of ways.
First, when was the last time you saw a young football player choose loyalty and a legacy over millions of dollars? Ashton Jeanty could have chosen just about any team if he had chosen to transfer. It was clear from the end of last year that Jeanty was a special player and that he would push for the Heisman in 2024. He was offered millions in NIL money. Yet, he chose to stay. Why? Because he wanted to leave a legacy and he loves Boise. He will forever be remembered as one of the best Boise State Broncos ever. How many young men will choose to stay and leave a legacy because of Ashton Jeanty’s example?
Also read: Ashton Jeanty Mock Draft Tracker – Where Will the Star Running Back Land?
Outside of a feel-good sports movie, when was the last time you saw an underdog that was thrust onto center stage and was changing the lives of their players? Or a team so united? Or a team that believes so much in their faith? Sure, just about every player will point to the sky after a big play or say “thank you Jesus” in an interview, but it’s more than just a rote cliche for the Broncos. Take a look at the viral post-game presser from Ahmed Hassanein, the Broncos’ DE from Egypt:
"Coach D you changed my life, I didn't know God until I got to Boise State."
An Emotional moment between Ahmed Hassanein and Spencer Danielson following the Fiesta Bowl. pic.twitter.com/IFDc8aerf1
— Kole Emplit (@KoleEmplit) January 1, 2025
Then there’s the typical ending to a Boise State game, win or lose:
Always doing it for each other. #BleedBlue | #BuiltDifferent pic.twitter.com/dHGhg4DlMS
— Boise State Football (@BroncoSportsFB) January 1, 2025
According to reports, Jenaty has been a large part of these prayer gatherings and they often include players and coaches from both teams. Of course, coach Spencer Danielson is also a large part of the faith and belief so evident in this team. He famously starts every interview with a declaration of faith in Jesus Christ.
There won’t be a movie made about this team. They didn’t win the big game. Next year the team will be quite a bit different. Dirk Koetter will be gone, Ashton Jeanty will be torching defenses in the NFL, and Hassanein will likely be grinding away to get his shot on a 53-man squad. But this season will be etched in the minds and hearts of Boise State Broncos fans, players, coaches, and even many spectators across the country because of the difference that is so evident in this team.
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